glossary

laminectomy (rachiotomy)

Definition laminectomy (rachiotomy)

laminectomy (rachiotomy)

laminectomy (rachiotomy) surgical cutting into the backbone to obtain access to the spinal cord. THe surgeon excises the rear part (the prosterior arch) of one or more vertebrae. The operation is performed to remove tumours, to treat injuries to the spine, such as prolapsed intervertebral (slipped) disc (in which the affected disc is removed), or to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve.